Translational cell biology careers turn on technological savvy

Abstract

Translational cell biologists pursue research questions that have a direct impact on treating human diseases. But to build a successful career, young cell biologists must also be well versed in technologies, such as those for advanced imaging, data mining, and biophysics, to push their research ahead. These cell biologists must embrace skills usually found in other departments—such as programming, performing heavy-duty statistical analysis, and even building devices from scratch in the machine shop. Turning laboratory findings into the foundations for potential new therapies also takes strong communication skills and a willingness to collaborate in team science or even across academia-industry borders. By Kendall Powell